We have 720p hd footage in our Nitris and we need to export a true Uncompressed 10 bit QT.  When we export the resulting QT is only 8 bit.  Is there something we are missing?

It's going to depend on the codec in which you captured. From what I recall, only 1:1x and DNxHD220x are 10 bit codecs.

We captured it on 1x1p 10b mxf and we output to compression none, millions of colors plus and still get an 8 bit QT.

1:1p? You mean progressive? That won't help. It has to be the 1:1x codec. Not sure what that means for output but I can try to find out for you.

The footage is shot on Varicam at 60 fps and was edited and captured in a progressive project, so I am assuming p is for progressive.  We just rechecked and the setting was 1:1p 10b MXF.  Can you please check what this means for output?  thanks so much

I'm not sure about that 10 bit progressive codec. I have an inquiry in and should hear soon.

Are you exporting Same as Source (Can't look back at your initial post to check at 'da moment)? If not, can you try that to see if you get a 10 bit QT?

Ok, here's the deal. You have to capture in one of three codecs:

1. 1:1p 10 bit

2. 1:1x

3. DNxHD 220x

After that, the only QT codecs that will support a 10 bit output is a Same as Source export or a QT reference. Anythin else will get you an 8 bit QT.

Hope that helps.

Hey Mark (fancy seeing you here ),

You probably know this, but Varicam is an 8 bit recording format.  So unless you have done things in the Avid that may have changed the image, 10 bit may be a waste.

Just a thought.

Jef

Yes, I occasionaly have to cross over to the dark side to get things done.  That really clears a LOT of things up.  I didn't know that varicam was only 8 bit.  Yet ANOTHER strike against the spawn of the devil tape format Varicam.

Heh, heh!!

And to make matter worse (but wait - theres more ..) did you know that the native pixel dimensions of DVCPRO HD (the signal that is recorded on tape by Varicam) is 960 x 720?  It is an anamorphic system.  When the signal is pulled off tape and converted to "real" 720P HD, the horizontal pixels are stretched to get to the 1280 x 720 you thought you were buying.

Boy, ain't this HD stuff great?!?

Cheers,

Jef

Thanks Jeff.  I guess we can safely say YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR when it comes to varicam.  I guess that stretching explains why the keys look like crap.